Unfiltered

Okay, today sucks.  Harper got her first cold.  She has been sick for the last few days, and now I seem to have picked up her icky sicky.  The first day H wasn't feeling well, she slept much more than usual...however, today she is on the mend and is wild as ever.  And, with a lingering stuffy/runny nose and cough, she is unable to rest.  She was up at 5:30 this morning (after waking nearly every hour last night) and has only taken one 30 minute nap...uhhh....and since I'm at day #1 of the sickness, all I want to do is lay in bed and sleep.  Thanking my lucky stars that today is Sunday and Josh is home.  I haven't spent a Sunday in bed since before Harper was born!  It would be a lot nicer if I was feeling not so sickly...

Well, when it rains it pours.  Mega-teething, a cold, and blowing through developmental milestones...Harper's sleep has gotten worse than ever.  Worse than when she was first born.  Worse than her 'rolling over and getting stuck' phase.  I feel so alone--like I am the only mom in the world with a 7 month old that doesn't sleep through the night...or like there's something I need to do to fix it.  I know that's not true.  But it suuuure feels like it.

At least she's so cute...

Day 1 of sick--surprisingly sleepy!  And so adorable.

HeeHee, look at me!

Harper's First Christmas

And a merry one it was!  Harper made out like a bandit.  Clearly she's been a very good girl the last 7 months, and Santa delivered!

Looks like we got a visit from Mr. Clause!

Little Miss is changing and developing so quick, she was due for some new toys.  Perfect timing!

For Me?!  You shouldn't have!

Playing in her new tunnel from Gramma!

Playing with her new walker from Auntie Arial!

Christmas Dinner at Uncle Joe's

Well, Christmas has come and gone, and I hope you ALL had a very beautiful holiday spent with loved ones.  Last year, I really could not wait for Christmas with our new baby.  Not gonna lie, it was harder than I expected.  It was fun this year, but mostly just for us.  I suspect future Christmases will feel much easier and infinitely more fun as Harper grows!  As they say, the best is yet to come.  Also, predicting next year's Christmas morning will be preceded by a solid sleep...no, my Christmas wish for a full night's sleep did not come true this year...but I'm still hoping maybe she was holding out for a "Happy New Year" gift?!  Well, now poor babe has her first cold...so we'll see how it all goes down.  Poor thing.  Teeth, colds, yuck!  We all need some serious rest and TLC.  So, on that note, "to all a good night!"

Christmas Eve Eve

It's almost here!  I am not ready for Christmas to come and go.  So, we are jam-packing all the Christmas cheer into these last few moments before the real deal!  Last night, Harper, myself, Josh, my mom, and my dad went to the River of Lights.  I had never been before.  Wow-that place is a little kid's dream!!!  I can imagine being about 5 and just dying from the anticipation and FUN of this very 'merry and bright' Christmas event.  Oh what fun :-)

Lobo Shoutout!!

Warming up by the fire

7 months

Hold up!  Can you believe it's been 7 months?!  

Indeed, Harper Jane turned 7 months on the 18th!  She is truly cuter than ever, plumping out quite nicely, and has her own distinct personality.  Already, I can see some of her traits-it really is so wonderful to watch your child emerge into a little person with their own behaviors/likes and dislikes/quirks.  I have loved witnessing it all!  It truly is amazing.

Personality:  One of her most distinct traits is her willfulness.  Well, what did I expect with a May baby?!  Their sign is 'the bull' and they are known for their stubbornness.  I'm sure this will serve her well as she grows.  Additionally, she is so physical and active.  I have no idea if this will stick with her as she matures, but, wow.  She is a rough and tumble little girl!  She moves all over, pulls up on everything, falls down, gets up, falls down gets up, cruises around.  I suspect a walking little goober will be in our no-too-distant future.  She also loves being around people.  Even in a sour mood, it's surprisingly turned around in a crowd of people.  She seems to always prefer the company of others right now.  Maybe a little extrovert like her dear daddio.

Foooood:  We are still breastfeeding!  Hooray!  It has been my goal from the beginning to make it to a year.  I think we're going to make it!  I actually adore our breastfeeding relationship now.  It is h-a-r-d at first, but I am so glad we have stuck it out during the hard times.  So worth it today.  And she barely spits up these days-hallelujah.  We are still experimenting with solids foods and have yet to find something she REALLY likes-with the exception of watermelon.  Who doesn't like watermelon!?

Teeeeth: Harper has one fully visible chomper!  One of her bottom two front teeth.  The one right next to it is beginning to emerge, but still not completely visible.  Teething has been tough for us.  Just another one of the many challenges of baby-hood, but I know that this too shall pass.

Talking:  She is just full of jibber jabber and babbling.  Funnest thing!  I love her baby talk!  So bizarre though, she does this growly/monster-like voice a lot.  Very weird and extremely funny to anyone listening.  Kinda sounds like Froggy from The Little Rascals...I've never seen another little one do this.  What is that about?!  Hilarious.

It's been a huge adventure thus far and we are just enjoying the ride!  It is so true, that quote that goes something like: babies make nights shorter, days longer, houses messier, checking account smaller--love stronger :-)  Happy 7 months!  It just keeps getting better...

The Magic of Christmas

***I just read another blog about moving forward during these times of tragedy and hardship.  She quoted a book that she had read on this subject in the past, and how important it is to "lean into joy" and not fear these moments of loss that we all will feel personally at some time or another in our lives.  Such a great reminder.  Feel the joy that we have NOW, really feel it and delve into it!  It makes us so much stronger when hardships do arise.  So with that, here is my post I wrote last week: The Magic of Christmas!***

It really is the most wonderful time of the year!  For me, the reason I love Christmas *so* much is because of the magic my family created around the holiday when I was a child.  Yep, my mom was gaga over Christmas spirit too and definitely passed it on to me.  Some of our Christmas traditions were typical for the American family (i.e. going to look at Christmas lights, putting up the Christmas tree, opening presents) and others were absolutely unique to the Howells (i.e. going to see a movie on Christmas eve, eating a delicious New Mexican breakfast on Christmas morning).  I love traditions.  I'm just one of those sentimental people.  A big part of Christmas, to me, is sweet nostalgia and reliving those memories from years past.  I am so looking forward to carrying on my family's traditions with my own family now, and also creating new ones.

Apart from these things that we did every year, there was also just that intangible feeling of Christmas.  A feeling of love, abundance, family, wonder...with a touch of what I can only describe as magic.  Intangible magic.  Like a fragrance.  Now, I think I have been waiting my whole life to finally have the opportunity to create the Christmas magic for my own children.  I never was one of those girls who was planning my wedding my whole life; however, I  am one of those girls who has been planning for my entire existence how I can spread Christmas cheer with my children.  Oh yea, I've been banking ideas for 27 years, people!  I am over the moon with excitement to give my children the most magical Christmas experience, just as I had.  To me, it has very little to do with the jolly man that comes down the Chimney on December 24th...it's much more about the love, wonder, and magic you feel in your heart all December-long.  While Harper is too young to comprehend the excitement of Christmas this year, it's only the very beginning for our family.  I very much look forward to fostering that sugary, cinnamon-y, peppermint-y, snowy, glittery, wondrous, Christmas-state-of-mind with Harper for years and years to come.

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more."

Incomprehensible Sorrow

I am so full of grief hearing about the events that transpired in Connecticut on Friday...Friday morning, I wrote a draft post that I entitled "The Magic of Christmas."  However, since the horrific events of Friday, I feel that it does not portray my current state of mind...really, no words are sufficient at this time to express anyone's sorrow and disbelief over this tragedy.  The past two mornings, I read the news unfolding from this horror, looking for answers.  But there are none.  And there never will be.  Although it did not affect me directly, I am really having trouble processing it all.  I think the whole world is.   It is truly incomprehensible.  I will post my "Magic of Christmas" entry another day.  But, I feel that I just had to say something about the Sandy Hook tragedy, since that is what has really been on my mind that last few days.  I am brought to tears every time I even begin to imagine what the families must be going through.  Especially during this time of year which should be so magical and joyful.  Why, why, why?  Just incomprehensible sadness and sorrow.

ZoMBiE MoMbiE

Okay, not really that bad...today!  Today was actually a lot better than it has been as far as restfulness.  Saturday was horrendous, prefaced by several other horrendous days.  The sleep in the House of Herbert has been scarce.  Lots of teething going on which means many nighttime wakings.  Man oh man, the days that follow those sleepless nights are the roughest.  For all of us-mom, dad, baby, and even doggies.  I told Josh the other day that I wished I was a vampire, because vampires don't need sleep :-)  But alas, I do need it, and my sleep tank is running on fumes lately!  The best Christmas present ever would be a full night's sleep-like 8 straight hours....awww....a girl can dream right??  Hey, I guess you never know what Christmas miracle Santa might bring.

But despite the exhaustion, life carries on!  Thankfully the dark circles under my eyes were a little less prominent today, because we shot our Christmas card.  One of my favorite things to do this time of year!

Last year's card..!  Awww!  Anxiously awaiting our baby (didn't even know if it was a girl/boy yet!)

Previous years, wrangling our dogs into the 'perfect' shot was an adventure.  Imagine the adventure now with two giant dogs AND a baby!  It was fun!  And funNY!  I had to get creative.  Can't wait to send them out next week.

Outtake from our Christmas Card 2012 extravaganza!  Cutest Clause I've ever seen!

A Very Good Day!

Despite the fact that all of us have been going through another little phase of not the best sleep (average long stretch is only 4 hours right now-ouch), today was a great day!  I woke up completely exhausted.  This new sleep routine Harper is currently doing was really starting to wear on both Josh and myself.  I felt that I was just too tired to just sit at home and play in the living room all day (like we normally do).  So, I made myself busy!  When Harper woke up we went on an errand run, then played at home a little, then met Josh for lunch.  I was still feeling so tired and just didn't want to go back home for the next 6 hours, so I decided to make a spontaneous trip to the zoo!  Just me and Harper girl!  It was awesome!!! One of my favorite trips to the zoo ever.  Honestly, there were probably only about 10 other people in the entire facility.  It was practically deserted!  So nice and quiet.  And, the animals were more active than I have ever seen.  The gorillas were running around the enclosure, thumping their chests, and wrestling with each other.  The Orangutan was playfully swinging and climbing in her fort.  The seals were all actively swimming by the viewing windows.

Harper, checkin' out her seal friends!  Can you see him in the corner of the window?

The lions were ACTUALLY awake and roaring!!!  I don't think I've ever seen them outside of their catnap :-)  And the polar bears were taking a dip and having a nice massage on the tree in their cage.  So cool.  The best part though was that Harper is now able to actually see and enjoy the animals.  Not so much when they're just sitting there, sedentarily munching grass...but she loves to see them move around (i.e. the apes!).  It was so fun today.  And the weather was just perfect.  It started as a sleepy, grumpy, stinker of a day, and turned out to be amazing!  Such a pleasant surprise.

Now finishing it off with an interesting 'breakfast for dinner'- beer, a waffle, and some bacon.  What a combo! ;-D

Merry and Bright

Impromptu photo shoot this evening:

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!

Thankful: Day #30

Wow-I can't believe November is already over.  Thirty Days of Thanks went by so quickly.  I have enjoyed this exercise so much, I am absolutely going to continue it!  If not on the blog, definitely in LIFE.  Counting your blessings daily keeps everything in perspective.  Even on a 'bad' day, there is SO MUCH to be thankful for.

Everyday, I am thankful for:

A loving husband.  He knows me and loves me inside-out, bones-to skin, fingertips-to toes.  We are in perfect balance together.  Anytime I am in the dark, he always knows how to show me the light.  He is a true 'diamond in the rough' and makes my life infinitely more FUN.

The ah-mazing creation that is our daughter.  Creating life is the coolest thing.  It really is something that makes me speechless.  It's just impossible to find the words!  I will never forget when she was born, the first time I looked in her eyes...I saw myself.  Myself as an newborn.  As Anita Diamant said, I "beheld myself as an infant in my mother's arms."  I looked into her eyes, and I understood motherhood.

My wonderful parents.  Wow wow wow.  I am so thankful for my family.  They are the American Dream.  They work hard for what they have.  They are humble.  And they worked hard so they could provide the very best for me.  Something I am now determined to do for our family.  They are completely unselfish.  Both of my parents are simple, non-extravagant people, and I am proud of that.  They have instilled so many important values in me: the value of hard work, finishing something you started, doing things yourself, doing things well the first time, education, family, caring about other people...just a few.  Things that I will always carry with me.  Things that have shaped me as a person.

My friends, to me, that are family.  As a girl without siblings, my friends ARE my family.  I cherish them as if they were my own brothers and sisters.  My friends that have been with me throughout my adolescence.  Co-workers that grew to be friends at EAD.  My friends that I met through Pi Beta Phi.  Nearly all of my bestest friends came from here.  They are girls that watched all of my dating adventures, girls that healed my heartaches, girls that I shared an itty-bitty closet-sized room with, girls that I have laughed my hardest with, girls that have shown me the wilder side of life, girls that stood by my side at my wedding, girls that I go to the movies with, girls that I meet for breakfast/lunch/dinner dates, girls that have seen me grow from a girl to a mom.

Awww....Love and light, my heart is fullllll of thanks!  Happy December 1st, loved ones!

Thankful: Day #29

Thankful again today for health!  First, for our healthy baby.  We had our six month checkup today, and Harper is doing great.  53rd percentile for height and weight, right on track!  She was so much fun at the doctor's office, just babbling and 'singing' away!

Second, thankful for a healthy doggie!  We had gotten a little worried about our Mia.  About two weeks ago, after a bath, I noticed that she looked really thin.  If you know Mia, you know she usually is packing quite a lot of junk in the trunk.  Well, two weeks ago I noticed she looked a little skinnier than her usually robust self.  We took her into the vet (it was actually time for one of her boosters anyway) and she had in fact lost 20 lbs.  We had started to feed her a little less a while back to help maintain her healthy weight, but 20 lbs. seemed pretty drastic.  They took some blood work and I was really worried for the results-imagining all the worst case scenarios.  Luckily, all tests came back normal!  I am so thankful my fur-baby MamaMia is okay!!!  OH happy day!

Thankful: Day #27

I came home from work today and my sweet husband surprised me by writing a blog post!  I never thought I'd see that!  He usually just likes to leave the blog writing to me-but decided to surprise me today-what a sweet guy.  :-)

So, I didn't get to post last night because I had a late choir rehearsal.  Getting ready for all the holiday performances.  Our main one is on December 14th and again on December 15th.  Friends and family, you all should definitely come watch!!  Great group of girls, and I am really happy to be apart of them.  I've already written my thanks for this-but really, I am so thankful!

Also, I got to see my lovely grandma yesterday.  I hadn't seen her in a while since we'd been out of town, so it was nice to catch up.  Most of you probably know, but I help 'take care of' my grandma each week.  Really I just check in on her, and we sit and chat about life and baby-raising.  She raised six kids, so she always has something to say about my current parenting ups and downs!  Most of her advice and stories are pretty funny.  Helen's childhood profanity (absolutely hysterical if you know my Aunt Helen today!), Mom nearly powdering Uncle David to death, Mary carrying a bottle with her until almost kindergarten, Joe throwing his (glass) bottle across the room when he was finished drinking...oh the stories!  I always enjoy hearing about her take on motherhood!  Since I did not grow up here in Albuquerque, I didn't get to spend a LOT of time with her as a kid.  I am so grateful for my time with her now.  We have a great bond from our weekly visits the last couple of years, and I love going to see her every Tuesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday.  She's a special soul.  I'm so glad she's my grandma.

At her 90th birthday in 2011

Great Grandma and Harper (4 days old)

Great Grandma and Harper (6 months old)

Thankful: Day #28

Thankful: Day 28

      Josh here!

Today is MY day with Harper! We had to bring MItch and Mia in for a Vet appointment so I decided to take the whole day off from work. I usually just have half days with harper on Wednesdays so that Janey can head into work to catch up on things and attend her weekly meeting at the law office with Filbert. But today, I had the whole day. Seeing as I didn't have to wake up at 6 this morning for work this morning, Jane and I took advantage on not having to set an alarm and slept in until a little before 8 am. I feels great getting those couple extra minutes before starting the day. After getting some chores out of the way and taking the dogs to the vet, I went into full daddy mode after sending mommy off to work. We had such a good day today!
      I am thankful for many things; being a dad to my adorable Harper, having such a beautiful, smart, and loving wife, and loving every minute of life. But today, what I am most thankful for is getting the chance to take the day off and spend quality time with my little baby girl!!!

Here are some pictures from today:
   

                                                Patiently waiting for her delicious apples!

                                                 Introduced her to the baby in the floor!

                                                                    So fascinating!

                                        Keeping me entertained while folding some clothes:-)

Thankful: Day #26

Thankful for scratching some big items off of the always-lengthening "To Do" list today!  That always feels good!  This included many things, but the most fun is that our Christmas shopping for Harper is complete!  For now!  Yay!  My mom was always SUCH a planner.  Her Christmas shopping strategy was something to marvel at-I think she was done every year by Halloween!!  Not kidding!  This way she didn't have to rush and was able to avoid the massive sea of holiday shoppers everywhere.  I strive to be as on-top-of-it in the holiday shopping department as she was.  But, finishing shortly after Thanksgiving ain't bad!?  Now, I just have to finish up shopping for all my other loverlies :-)  Happy happy holiday season!

Thankful: Day #25

Thankful for a day out with Josh!  I always love a good date :-)  We snuck out for a couple of hours today while my mom watched the Harper baby.  We went to see Skyfall--loooooved it!  I can never resist a James Bond flick.  This one, unlike Quantum of Solace, did not disappoint.  There are actually several movies out right now that I really want to see....so, hopefully we'll have some MORE date days/nights in our near future!  Spending time just the two of us is not always easy to come by, but so important.  Thankful for our little date this afternoon.  Love you, Josh. xoxoxoxo

Thankful: Day #24

Thankful for getting in the Christmas spirit!!  Thank goodness we came home from our vacation on a Friday night, so we still have Saturday and Sunday to play!  Yesterday we got to deck our house out in Christmas decor.  One of my favorite things to do every year.  I honestly love Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, garlands, and candles.  Thankful for this beautiful time of year!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...!

Thankful: Day #23

Thankful for safe travels and finally getting back home!!  Yesterday felt realllllly loooooong.  By the time our flight from Denver left, we were beyond ready to be home!  Feels good to be back in our familiar house, in our own comfy bed, and with our pooches again!

Just off the plane!  She's glad we're back in ABQ, too!

Thankful: Day #22

Thankful for....THANKSGIVING!!!!  Growing up, this was always my very favorite holiday.  Even more than Christmas.  Because, as I mentioned in my last post, I love enormous family gatherings.  Don't get me wrong, I loved Christmas!  But the thrill of packing up, going to Albuquerque, and having a huge Thanksgiving dinner with allllll of the Gabels and allllll of the Howells was really special.  Tonight in Minnesota was no different.  Giant, fun family gathering.  45 Ohly's smashed into Paul and Gail's beautiful home, catching up on life, and feasting on delicious food--nothing better!!  And, once again, Harper was such a good sport and, of course, the star of Thanksgiving!  Tomorrow is a loooong travel day...but it has been a fantastic trip.  I wish we could stay longer and/or come up here more often.  I am so glad we came to celebrate my favorite holiday.

Harper's First Thanksgiving!

Herbert Siblings

Ohly Boys, Tristan and Lennon.  All they wanted to do all night was play with Harper!  SO CUTE!

Harper and Auntie Sarajane

Happy Thanksgiving, friends and family.  "Thirty Day of Thanks" isn't even enough days to put into words all of the grateful feelings I have for all of you.  Love beyond words. xo

Thankful: Day #21

Short and sweet post to catch up...Thankful for the incredible hospitality of the amazing Ohly family!  They really are a great bunch (and there are a LOT of 'em!) of people and we are so thankful for the generosity they have shown the Herbert clan while in Minnesota.  It is my DREAM to be an old lady with my huge family visiting our home for the holidays.  Everyone crowded inside with lots of food and love!  Being around the gigantic Ohly family makes me want this even more.  Great Grandma Bev and Great Grandpa Lou are definitely living my dream.

We are starting to build that dream with our Little Harper!  

Someday, we'll be there too :-)